Jack Black

While he began his unique double career as a cult figure on the L. A. alternative comedy scene before upgrading to scene-stealing character roles in larger pictures, actor-musician Jack Black eventual...
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Writer and actress Lena Dunham has become a target of some high-profile New York Jews following the publication of a questionable article about cultural stereotypes in The New Yorker.
In the piece, titled Dog Or Jewish Boyfriend? A Quiz, the Girls creator, whose mother is Jewish, asks readers to decide whether the statements she makes in the article apply to her Jewish boyfriend, Jack Antonoff, or their pet dog. She then lists things like, "He doesn't tip", and "I feel that he is judgmental about the food I serve him", adding, "This is because he comes from a culture in which mothers focus every ounce of their attention on their offspring and don't acknowledge their own need for independence as women. They are sucked dry by their children, who ultimately leave them as soon as they find suitable mates."
The piece has upset many prominent Jews, including Jordana Horn, who has responded to Dunham's article on website Kveller, stating, "I suppose Lena Dunham feels that she has some sort of humor EZ Pass, and The New Yorker has indulged her in that thinking... because apparently Jews are a group you can make fun of and it is deemed kinda intellectual and funny to do so."
She adds, "If you take issue with what I'm saying, then do me a favour and imagine this same essay entitled, 'Dog or Black Boyfriend? A Quiz.' Much easier to imagine that essay running in a Ku Klux Klan newsletter than The New Yorker, am I right? But somehow, a piece like this running in The New Yorker in 2015 is supposed to be OK with us."
Meanwhile, one Twitter user, writes, "@NewYorker Wow. Do you post every piece of anti-Semitic drivel that gets submitted, or only if its written by @lenadunham?"
The piece has also been attacked by Anti-Defamation League officials - National Chairman Abraham H. Foxman was not happy with the stereotypes in Dunham's piece and stated the dog comparison evoked memories of "the 'No Jews or Dogs Allowed' signs from our own early history in this country."
The New Yorker's editor David Remnick has defended his guest writer, stating, "The Jewish-comic tradition is rich with the mockery of, and playing with, stereotypes. Has Mr. Foxman never heard Lenny Bruce or Larry David or Sarah Silverman...? Lena Dunham is a comic voice working in that vein."

Stars including Ashton Kutcher and Miley Cyrus have waded into the debate over a controversial new law which has been passed in Indiana amid fears it could lead to discrimination against gay couples. Star Trek actor George Takei was so outraged by the passing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which many claim could allow businesses to turn away homosexual customers, on Thursday (26Mar15) that he called for a major boycott of the state.
Now more high-profile names have spoken out against the act and taken aim at Indiana Governor Mike Pence for signing the bill into law.
Pop star Cyrus posted a picture of Pence on her Instagram.com page and added in a caption, "You're an a**hole (Governor Mike Pence)... The only place that has more idiots (than) Instagram is in politics... We need more strong heterosexual men fighting for equality in both men and women! Why are the macho afraid to love muchoooo?!? (sic)"
Hollywood actor Kutcher also expressed his rage via Twitter.com and praised bosses of a software company for joining a business boycott of the state, writing, "Indiana? Seriously? Really? Bravo Salesforce for taking a stand... Hope more companies follow... Indiana are you also going to allow Christian establishments to ban Jews from coming in? Or Vice Versa? Religious freedom??? #Outrage."
Former Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek tweets, "If you say you love this country for its freedoms, but want to deny gays the same freedoms you enjoy, you sound like a hypocrite... And - just to clarify - 'freedom' is the right to live how you choose. It's not the right to choose how everyone else lives... Also - I remember Jesus saying 'Don't judge...' & 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' I don't recall him saying it was cool to discriminate."
Actress Sophia Bush vowed to avoid the state in future, writing, "Whelp. I live in the Midwest now, but I won't be visiting Indiana any time soon..." while other critics of the new law include fun. star Jack Antonoff, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, actress/singer Audra McDonald, New Kids on the Block star Jonathan Knight and former child actress Mara Wilson.

Some of the greatest and most memorable movie quotes of all time were completely unplanned. Don't believe us? Take a look at 20 of our favorites below and see for yourself:
1. Annie Hall
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Woody Allen's famous sneeze as his character, Alvy Singer, picks up a box of cocaine at a party, and after finding out that it's $2,000 an ounce, he asks what the appeal is...before sneezing all of the powder away into its owner's face. The sneeze was not scripted, believe it or not. The moment tested well with audiences and the other actors in the scene reacted so perfectly to it that Allen decided to keep it.
2. Titanic
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Perhaps one of the film's most memorable lines, Leonardo DiCaprio's feeling of invincibility would never have been captured had he not ad-libbed the line, "I'm king of the world!" Titanic has other improvised moments as well, like the scene where Jack teaches Rose to spit and when Rose spits in Cal's face.
3. Being John Malkovich
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Though this moment is contested somewhat, we still love the story. A few extras allegedly snuck some beer onto the set to make the most of long hours of filming. One such extra, who was (may or may not have been) supposed to throw something at actor John Malkovich's head from a passing vehicle, shouted "think fast," making the scene even funnier. Rumor has it that because of the line's inclusion, the extra had to receive a generous pay raise, all because of a drunken addition to the movie.
4. Blade Runner
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As Blade Runner, a film about a bounty hunter seeking androids to "retire," reaches its conclusion, its main character, Rick Deckard, is saved by the android he is supposed to kill. Right before preparing to die, the android, Roy Batty, gives a monologue reflecting on his past experiences. Though the monologue was indeed scripted, actor Rutger Hauer added the beautiful phrase, "like tears in rain."
5. Taxi Driver
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The script said "Travis talks to himself in the mirror." Robert De Niro took care of the rest. Because of this, we're left with one of the best lines in movie history, one of the greatest performances of all time, and the best idea for a theme party ever.
6. Dumb and Dumber
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The original script featured the titular idiots to argue over jelly beans in order to test the nerves of the hitman they unknowingly picked up as a hitchhiker. Since this is a movie with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, it evolved into something altogether different. The most annoying sound in the world was, for better or for worse, entirely improvised.
7. Good Will Hunting
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Robin Williams received his first and only Oscar for his dramatic role in Good Will Hunting. You may be able to take Robin Williams out of the comedy, but you can't keep the comedy out of him, and thus, in the midst of a pivotal scene in the movie, Williams broke into an unplanned story about his wife's flatulence. Matt Damon's uncontrollable laughter is genuine, as are the moments the camera shakes because of the cameraman's laughter. That's a magical movie moment.
8. Goodfellas
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The most memorable moment of Martin Scorsese's 1990 mobster movie is easily Joe Pesci's refusal to be called funny. This line was allegedly ad-libbed and inspired by a real incident where Pesci called a not-very-pleasant gangster funny.
9. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
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Hardcore Star Wars fans may know this bit already: the famous Han Solo moment where he tells Princess Leia "I know" wasn't scripted. The line was originally written as "I love you too," but didn't seem to fit into character. Harrison Ford suggested they change it to something a little more in line with Han Solo's personality, and thus, the greatest response to "I love you" was born.
10. Pretty Woman
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In a gloriously unscripted moment, Richard Gere's character was supposed to present Julia Roberts with a stunning diamond necklace, but instead playfully snapped the bling box closed. The unplanned move, and Roberts' perfect reaction to it, was so honest and fit the film so well, director Garry Marshall kept it in the finished version.
11. Raiders of the Lost Ark
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The epic sword fight that was scheduled for this scene (or perhaps it was a whip vs. sword situation) was ignored entirely in favor of this easier-to-film scene. The moment, when Indiana Jones just nonchalantly pulls out his pistol and does away with the swordsman, wasn't scripted. Spielberg agreed to do it to make filming easier for Harrison Ford, who was feeling a bit under the weather at the time. Thus, movie history was born.
12. Zoolander
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After David Duchovny's character explains to Ben Stiller's Derek Zoolander why male models have been behind every political assassination of the last 200 years, Stiller forgot the line he was supposed to stay in true Zoolander fashion, so he just repeated his previous line, "Why male models?" This prompted Duchovny's equally funny ad-lib, "Are you serious? I just told you that a moment ago..."
13. The Godfather
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The Godfather has a scene where Peter Clemenza is heading out to whack Paulie, but before he does, his wife asks him to pick up some cannolis. While the scene following Paulie's death was originally scripted as just "Leave the gun," Clemenza added a bit of humor and continuity to the film by adding the second part.
14. The Shining
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Stanley Kubrick's iconic adaptation of the Stephen King classic features the ad-libbed line "Here's Johnny!" Jack Nicholson improvised this line after chopping his way through the door and sticking his face in. The quote, referencing Johnny Carson's immensely popular late night show's introduction, added a bit of humor to an incredibly terrifying moment. It also, strangely, made the moment way creepier too.
15. Jaws
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Really, though, there was nothing else to be said. After seeing the shark for the first time, this unscripted moment was the only logical reaction a person could have. And now it's legendary.
16. The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up
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The extremely memorable, easy-to-imitate moments from both of these films were ad-libbed entirely by stars Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd. Director Judd Apatow had enough faith in both comedians to allow them to go on for several minutes in an unedited clip. The scenes may get a little annoying, but they are undeniably funny.
17. Midnight Cowboy
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Legend has it that this NYC cab ignored the indications that a movie was shooting on this street and drove down anyway. Dustin Hoffman's brilliant reaction was genuine and in character, and the rest is history.
18. Casablanca
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Arguably the most iconic line in the entire film, this one was ad-libbed by Humphrey Bogart during filming. Apparently, it's something he would say to Ingrid Bergman while teaching her poker between takes.
19. The Silence of the Lambs
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While the line about eating a census taker's liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti may have been in the script (as well as the book), the terrifying slurping hiss Anthony Hopkins lets out next was certainly not. It was left in the film because, hello, it's totally the creepiest thing a cannibal could do after discussing a meal.
20. Caddyshack
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Bill Murray, as surely everyone knows, can do literally anything. He's the greatest. Clearly director Harold Ramis knew that too -- the script for Caddyshack featured a scene where Murray's character Carl emulates a kid announcing his fantasy sports moment. Murray simply asked for four rows of mums, and boom! Movie magic.

The 87th Academy Awards last night confirmed that Neil Patrick Harris is an incredible host and can do pretty much anything. Here's a look at the best moments of last night's show:
12. When JK Simmons won the hearts of moms around the world with his "call your parents" speech.
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11. When Benedict Cumberbatch whipped out his fun flask to better enjoy the evening.
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10. Whenever the camera showed Mr. &amp; Mrs. Keira Knightley.
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They're actually too cute.
9. When Oprah continued to prove she doesn't understand awards humor.
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8. When Oprah finally started to understand awards humor and totally nailed it.
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7. When NPH sort of became Sharon Stone's vagina.
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6. When John Travolta wouldn't stop touching Adele Dazeem's face.
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And when NPH called him out on it.
5. When Jack Black freaked out about technology during the opening number.
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4. When Lady Gaga paid tribute to the legendary Julie Andrews and brought the house down.
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It almost totally made up for her heinous gloved look.
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3. When Eddie Redmayne won Best Actor and exploded with the most adorable excitement imaginable.
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Even Queen Cate can't contain the joy Eddie is bringing her.
2. When Patricia Arquette turned her acceptance speech into a feminist statement (and Meryl loved it).
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1. When NPH pulled a Birdman and then walked on stage in his undies.
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Birdman was the toast of the 87th Oscars on Sunday (22Feb15), earning Best Picture as Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore also celebrated big wins at Hollywood's big night.
Birdman filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu was named Best Director, while he also claimed Best Original Screenplay and Emmanuel Lubezki received the Best Cinematography award. Redmayne couldn't contain his excitement as he collected the Best Actor prize for his Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything, and Julianne Moore scored Best Actress for Still Alice, while fellow awards season favourites and first-time nominees J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) and Patricia Arquette (Boyhood) walked away with the best supporting acting prizes.
Wes Anderson also had reason to celebrate as The Grand Budapest Hotel, which tied with Birdman for the most nominations with nine nods apiece, scored four titles, including Best Original Score for Alexandre Desplat. Each of the nominations for Best Original Song were performed, but it was John Legend and Common's powerful rendition of Selma track "Glory" which left actors David Oyelowo and Chris Pine in tears at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre as the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation. "Glory" went on to win the category. Meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson honoured the stars lost in the past year by singing "I Can't Let Go" as part of the In Memoriam segment, and Lady Gaga helped to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Oscar-winning movie The Sound of Music with an impressive medley of hits from the Dame Julie Andrews musical, including Edelweiss, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and the title song.
Ceremony host Neil Patrick Harris also showed off his vocals by opening the 2015 prizegiving with a comedic song and dance number with Anna Kendrick and actor/rocker Jack Black.
The full list of winners at the 2015 Oscars is:
Best Motion Picture of the Year: Birdman
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Best Achievement in Directing: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Birdman
Best Writing, Original Screenplay: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo, Birdman
Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay: Graham Moore, The Imitation Game
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year: Ida (Poland)
Best Animated Feature Film: Big Hero 6 Best Documentary, Feature: Citizenfour
Best Documentary, Short Subject: Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
Best Short Film, Animated: Feast Best Short Film, Live Action: The Phone Call
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song: "Glory" from Selma, by John Legend and Common
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Achievement in Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki, Birdman
Best Achievement in Film Editing: Tom Cross, Whiplash
Best Achievement in Costume Design: Milena Canonero, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Achievement in Production Design: Adam Stockhausen and Anna Pinnock, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Frances Hannon and Mark Coulier, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Achievement in Visual Effects: Interstellar Best Achievement in Sound Editing: American Sniper
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing: Whiplash
Academy Honorary Awards: Jean-Claude Carriere Hayao Miyazaki Maureen O'Hara Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Harry Belafonte.

Whiplash star J.K. Simmons has kicked off the celebrations at the 87th Oscars by walking away with the first prize of the night for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.
The 60-year-old first-time nominee was the favourite heading into Sunday's (22Feb15) ceremony after adding an Independent Spirit Award to his Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA accolades on Saturday (21Feb15), and he continued his awards season victory parade by beating fellow contenders Robert Duvall (The Judge), Ethan Hawke (Boyhood), Edward Norton (Birdman) and Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher) to claim the top Oscar.
Stepping up to the podium, Simmons gave thanks to his "wonderful" wife Michelle Schumacher, and then urged people everywhere to call their parents and tell them they loved them. He said, "Call your mum, call your dad. If you're lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call them. Don't text, don't email, call them on the phone, tell them you love them and thank them and listen to them as long as they want to talk to you. Thank you. Thank you mum and dad."
Ceremony host Neil Patrick Harris opened the 2015 prizegiving at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre by poking fun at the lack of diversity among this year's Oscars nominations, quipping, "Welcome to the 87th Oscars. Tonight we honor Hollywood's best and whitest, sorry brightest...!" He then launched into a song and dance number with Anna Kendrick, dressed as Cinderella, and actor/rocker Jack Black as an outspoken, disgruntled audience member, who leaped up onstage and belted out his complaints in a little melody, before he was kicked off stage.
Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel lead the 2015 nominees with nine nods apiece, followed by The Imitation Game with eight.

Sam Smith was the toast of the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday (08Feb15), walking away with four of the six honors he was nominated for, including the coveted Record of the Year.
The British soul sensation kicked off his celebrations early after claiming the very first award of the televised show for Best New Artist. He soon followed it up with the Best Pop Vocal Album for In The Lonely Hour, and was back onstage towards the end of the Los Angeles ceremony to wrap up his big night with wins for Song of the Year and Record of the Year for Stay With Me.
Taking to the stage for the fourth time, Smith poked fun at the ex-boyfriend who inspired the album, saying, "This is the best night of my life. I wanna thank the man who this record is about... Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys!"
Fellow six-time nominees Beyonce and Pharrell Williams each went home as triple winners, while Beck landed Best Rock Album and Album of the Year for Morning Phase - and almost had Kanye West repeat his infamous stage invasion at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, when he interrupted Taylor Swift to defend his pal Beyonce's honor. This time, the rapper approached Beck as he collected the Album of the Year accolade, which Beyonce was also nominated for, and pretended to head towards the mic, before laughing and returning to his seat in the front row - much to everyone's amusement.
AC/DC got the Grammy Awards off to a rocking start with a hits medley, while Madonna dazzled the Staples Center audience in a red and black matador costume to sing her new release Living For Love, and Rihanna, Kanye West and Sir Paul McCartney staged the first ever performance of their new collaboration, FourFiveSeconds.
Other performance highlights at the event, hosted by LL Cool J, came from Ed Sheeran and Electric Light Orchestra frontman Jeff Lynne; Katy Perry, who honored victims of domestic violence with a powerful rendition of By The Grace of God; Sam Smith and Mary J. Blige's soulful collaboration on Stay With Me, and Pharrell Williams, who gave his Happy tune a gospel makeover, complete with Hans Zimmer on guitar and Lang Lang on piano.
The full list of winners at the 2015 Grammy Awards is:
Record Of The Year - Stay With Me (Darkchild Version) by Sam Smith
Album Of The Year - Morning Phase by Beck
Song Of The Year - Stay With Me (Darkchild Version) by Sam Smith
Best New Artist - Sam Smith
Best Pop Solo Performance - Happy by Pharrell Williams
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance - Say Something by A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album - Cheek To Cheek by Tony Bennett &amp; Lady Gaga
Best Pop Vocal Album - In The Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
Best Dance Recording - Rather Be by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne
Best Dance/Electronic Album - Syro by Aphex Twin
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album - Bass &amp; Mandolin by Chris Thile &amp; Edgar Meyer
Best Rock Performance - Lazaretto by Jack White
Best Metal Performance - The Last In Line by Tenacious D
Best Rock Song - Ain't It Fun by Paramore
Best Rock Album - Morning Phase by Beck
Best Alternative Music Album - St. Vincent by St. Vincent
Best R&amp;B Performance - Drunk In Love by Beyonce featuring Jay Z
Best Traditional R&amp;B Performance - Jesus Children by Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Lalah Hathaway &amp; Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Best R&amp;B Song - Drunk In Love by Beyonce featuring Jay Z
Best Urban Contemporary Album - Girl by Pharrell Williams
Best R&amp;B Album - Love, Marriage &amp; Divorce by Toni Braxton &amp; Babyface
Best Rap Performance - I by Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - The Monster by Eminem featuring Rihanna
Best Rap Song - I by Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap Album - The Marshall Mathers LP2 by Eminem
Best Country Solo Performance - Something In The Water by Carrie Underwood
Best Country Duo/Group Performance - Gentle On My Mind by The Band Perry
Best Country Song - I'm Not Gonna Miss You by Glen Campbell
Best Country Album - Platinum by Miranda Lambert
Best New Age Album - Winds Of Samsara by Ricky Kej &amp; Wouter Kellerman
Best Improvised Jazz Solo - Fingerprints by Chick Corea
Best Jazz Vocal Album - Beautiful Life by Dianne Reeves
Best Jazz Instrumental Album - Trilogy by Chick Corea Trio
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album - Life In The Bubble by Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band
Best Latin Jazz Album - The Offense Of The Drum by Arturo O'Farrill &amp; The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Best Gospel Performance/Song - No Greater Love by Smokie Norful
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song - Messengers by Lecrae featuring For King &amp; Country
Best Gospel Album - Help by Erica Campbell
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album - Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. by For King &amp; Country
Best Roots Gospel Album - Shine For All The People by Mike Farris
Best Latin Pop Album - Tangos by Rubén Blades
Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album - Multiviral by Calle 13
Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) - Mano A Mano - Tangos A La Manera De Vicente Fernandez by Vicente Fernandez
Best Tropical Latin Album - Mas + Corazon Profundo by Carlos Vives
Best American Roots Performance - A Feather's Not A Bird by Rosanne Cash
Best American Roots Song - A Feather's Not A Bird by Rosanne Cash
Best Americana Album - The River &amp; The Thread by Rosanne Cash
Best Bluegrass Album - The Earls Of Leicester by The Earls Of Leicester
Best Blues Album - Step Back by Johnny Winter
Best Folk Album - Remedy by Old Crow Medicine Show
Best Regional Roots Music Album - The Legacy by Jo-El Sonnier
Best Reggae Album - Fly Rasta by Ziggy Marley
Best World Music Album - Eve by Angelique Kidjo
Best Children's Album - I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai) by Neela Vaswani
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books &amp; Storytelling) - Diary Of A Mad Diva by Joan Rivers
Best Comedy Album - Mandatory Fun by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Best Musical Theater Album - Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Jessie Mueller, principal soloist; Jason Howland, Steve Sidwell &amp; Billy Jay Stein, producers; Carole King, composer &amp; lyricist; Original Broadway Cast)
Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media - Frozen (Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Tom MacDougall &amp; Chris Montan, compilation producers)
Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media - The Grand Budapest Hotel by Alexandre Desplat
Best Song Written For Visual Media - Let It Go by Kristen Anderson-Lopez &amp; Robert Lopez Best Instrumental Composition - The Book Thief by John Williams
Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella - Daft Punk (Ben Bram, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Avi Kaplan, Kirstin Maldonado &amp; Kevin Olusola, arrangers; Pentatonix)
Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals - New York Tendaberry by Billy Childs, arranger (Billy Childs Featuring Renée Fleming &amp; Yo-Yo Ma)
Best Recording Package - Lightning Bolt by Pearl Jam Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package - The Rise &amp; Fall Of Paramount Records, Volume One (1917-27) by Susan Archie, Dean Blackwood &amp; Jack White, art directors (Various Artists)
Best Album Notes - Offering: Live At Temple University by Ashley Kahn, (John Coltrane)
Best Historical Album - The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 by Hank Williams
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical - Morning Phase by Beck Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical - Max Martin
Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical - All Of Me (Tiesto's Birthday Treatment Remix) (Tijs Michiel Verwest, remixer (John Legend)
Best Surround Sound Album - Beyoncé (Elliot Scheiner, surround mix engineer; Bob Ludwig, surround mastering engineer; Beyoncé Knowles, surround producer (Beyoncé)
Best Engineered Album, Classical - Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem; Symphony No. 4; The Lark Ascending (Michael Bishop, engineer; Michael Bishop, mastering engineer (Robert Spano, Norman Mackenzie, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra &amp; Chorus)
Producer Of The Year, Classical - Judith Sherman
Best Orchestral Performance - Adams, John: City Noir by David Robertson, conductor (St. Louis Symphony)
Best Opera Recording - Charpentier: La Descente D'Orphee Aux Enfers by Paul O'Dette &amp; Stephen Stubbs, conductors; Aaron Sheehan; Renate Wolter-Seevers, producer (Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble; Boston Early Music Festival Vocal Ensemble)
Best Choral Performance - The Sacred Spirit Of Russia by Craig Hella Johnson, conductor (Conspirare)
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance - In 27 Pieces - The Hilary Hahn Encores by Hilary Hahn &amp; Cory Smythe
Best Classical Instrumental Solo - Play by Jason Vieaux Best Classical Solo Vocal Album - Douce France by Anne Sofie Von Otter; Bengt Forsberg, accompanist (Carl Bagge, Margareta Bengston, Mats Bergström, Per Ekdahl, Bengan Janson, Olle Linder &amp; Antoine Tamestit)
Best Classical Compendium - Partch: Plectra &amp; Percussion Dances by Partch; John Schneider, producer
Best Contemporary Classical Composition - Adams, John Luther: Become Ocean by John Luther Adams, composer (Ludovic Morlot &amp; Seattle Symphony)
Best Music Video - Happy by Pharrell Williams
Best Music Film - 20 Feet From Stardom by Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer &amp; Judith Hill
Grammy Trustees Award - Richard Perry, George Wein, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil President's Merit Award - Martin Bandier
Lifetime Achievement Award - George Harrison, Bee Gees, Buddy Guy, Louvin Brothers, Wayne Shorter, Pierre Boulez and Flaco Jimenez.

Actors, producers, directors and crew members have teamed up to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) promoting on-set safety following the death of Midnight Rider production assistant Sarah Jones. Jones, 27, was struck by a train while filming the Allman Brothers biopic in Georgia last February (14), and her parents, Elizabeth and Richard Jones, subsequently launched a drive to make sure such a tragic accident never happens again.
The couple attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Monday (26Jan15) to participate in a panel on film set safety and they also debuted a two-minute PSA called Safety for Sarah.
The video features a number of crew members, directors, writers, producers, and actors, including Shemar Moore, Paul Dano, and Nina Dobrev, who got to know Jones when she worked as a camera assistant on her show The Vampire Diaries.
Throughout the PSA, they call on producers, productions, unions, and crews worldwide to "implement daily safety meetings" during filming.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Gina Rodriguez says, "If you see something, say something," director David Lynch adds, "It's time to take a stand", while Jack Black continues, "To make safety a top priority."
Following Jones' death, her parents hit Midnight Rider director Randall Miller, his producer wife Jody Savin, executive producer Jay Sedrish and first assistant director Hillary Schwartz with a lawsuit, while the film workers are also facing criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespass.
They have pleaded not guilty to the counts and are due to stand trial in March (15).

Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and George Ezra will be the ones to beat at the 2015 BRIT Awards after landing a string of top nominations. Soul sensation Smith leads the way with five nods and will face off with four-time nominees Sheeran and Ezra for the coveted titles of British Male Solo Artist, British Album and British Single.
Smith and Ezra are also shortlisted for the British Breakthrough award, competing against FKA Twigs, CHVRCHES and Royal Blood.
Meanwhile, John Legend has landed a mention for International Male Solo Artist on the same day he scored an Oscar nod for his Selma song Glory.
He will go up against the likes of Jack White and Beck, while the female equivalent will be a fight between artists including Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Sia.
The Black Keys, 5 Seconds of Summer and the Foo Fighters are up for International Group.
The winners will be announced during a ceremony at London's O2 Arena on 25 February (15) and feature headlining performances from Smith, Sheeran and Swift.
The full list of nominations is:
MasterCard British Album:
Alt-J - This Is All Yours
Ed Sheeran - X
George Ezra - Wanted On Voyage
Royal Blood - Royal Blood
Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour
British Male Solo Artist:
Ed Sheeran
Damon Albarn
George Ezra
Paolo Nutini
Sam Smith
British Female Solo Artist:
FKA Twigs
Ella Henderson
Jessie Ware
Lily Allen
Paloma Faith
British Group:
Alt-J
Clean Bandit
Coldplay
One Direction
Royal Blood
British Breakthrough:
CHVRCHES
FKA Twigs
George Ezra
Royal Blood
Sam Smith
British Single:
Calvin Harris - Summer
George Ezra - Budapest
Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
Route 94 featuring Jess Glynne - My Love
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Sigma - Nobody to Love
Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne - Rather Be
Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones - I Got U
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Ella Henderson - Ghost
British Producer:
Goldfrapp
Will Gregory
Flood
Jake Gosling
Paul Epworth
British Video:
Calvin Harris - Summer
Charli XCX - Boom Clap
Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones - I Got U
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
One Direction - You And I
Rita Ora - I Will Never Let You Down
Route 94 featuring Jess Glynne - My Love
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Sigma - Nobody To Love
International Male Solo Artist:
Beck
Hozier
Jack White
John Legend
Pharrell
International Female Solo Artist:
Beyonce
Lana Del Rey
Sia
St. Vincent
Taylor Swift
International Group:
5 Seconds of Summer
The Black Keys
First Aid Kit
Foo Fighters
The War On Drugs.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl rang in his 46th birthday a few days early on Saturday (10Jan15) by jamming onstage with rock legends Alice Cooper, SLASH, Paul Stanley and David Lee Roth. The Best Of You hitmakers announced plans to play a "surprise" birthday show for Grohl last week (ends09Jan15) and fans who managed to snap up tickets to The Forum show in Los Angeles were treated to an all-star line-up packed full of rock icons.
KISS star Stanley kicked off the night by joining the band onstage to perform Detroit Rock City and Do You Love Me?, while Cooper thrilled fans with renditions of School's Out and I'm Eighteen.
Perry Farrell from Jane's Addiction took over the microphone for Mountain Song and a cover of Miss You by the Rolling Stones, while Van Halen's Roth delighted the crowd by belting out Panama and Ain't Talkin' Bout Love.
Guitarist Zakk Wylde treated fans to versions of Black Sabbath's N.I.B. and Fairies Wear Boots, before bringing the gig to a rousing end with Slash and Motorhead's Lemmy for their version of Chuck Berry's Let It Rock.
There were also appearances from Queens of the Stone Age's Nick Oliveri, musician Trombone Shorty and Tenacious D stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass, who stepped onstage to rock out with Slash and the Foo Fighters for a cover of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song and Queen's Tie Your Mother Down,.
The concert, billed as An Evening With Foo Fighters in the Round, also doubled up as a benefit show, raising funds for three music-related charities - Sweet Relief, MusiCares and the Rock School Scholarship Fund.
Grohl actually turns 46 on Wednesday (14Jan15).

Produced (also co-wrote and starred) "Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny," a film about his rock comedy band with Kyle Gass; also released the album The Pick of Destiny

Co-starred with Ben Stiller in the comedy "Envy," directed by Barry Levinson

Had a comedic turn alongside Gass as bumbling aspiring performers in Tim Robbins' "Cradle Will Rock"

Signed to co-star in the comedy "Saving Silverman"; reportedly earned $1 million

Film debut as an obsessed fan of Tim Robbins' folk-singing politician "Bob Roberts"

Featured as a computer whiz in "Enemy of the State"

Appeared in the futuristic actioner "Demolition Man"

Summary

While he began his unique double career as a cult figure on the L. A. alternative comedy scene before upgrading to scene-stealing character roles in larger pictures, actor-musician Jack Black eventually took the lead in some of the most quirky and endearing comedies of the early millennium. After playing a series of small roles on television and in film, Black had his breakthrough as an amped-up vintage record store clerk in Stephen Frears' "High Fidelity" (2000). From there, he went on to cultivate his signature persona - that of an overconfident, smart aleck loser with an arsenal of expressive faces and a gung-ho attitude toward the most absurd plans of action. Black gained further celebrity with leading roles in the Farrelly Brothers comedy "Shallow Hal" (2001) and the indie comedy "Orange County" (2002). He reached new heights with the surprise hit, "School of Rock" (2003), which established his presence as one of Hollywood's top comedic draws. Widening his palette, Black took on the Carl Denham role for Peter Jackson's contemporary remake of "King Kong" (2005), though he was knocked for his dismissed performance in "Nacho Libre" (2006). But he bounced back in a big way as the voice of "Kung Fu Panda" (2008) and the drug-addled Jeff Portnoy in "Tropic Thunder" (2008). Whether he was making audiences laugh in a wide variety of comedic performances or playing to sold-out crowds as front man for the rock comedy due, Tenacious D, Black remained one of Hollywood's most unique and bankable talents.

Name

Role

Comments

Thomas Black

Father

Divorced Black's mother when he was ten

Samuel Black

Son

Born June 10, 2006; mother, Tanya Haden

Thomas Black

Son

Born May 23, 2008; mother, Tanya Haden

Judith Cohen

Mother

Divorced Black's father when he was ten; Worked on the Hubble Space Telescope, which was carried into orbit via the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1990

Education

Black was a member of the Los Angeles theater troupe The Actors Gang, which was formed by Tim Robbins.

Various starring vehicle TV pilots were developed for Black, including the failed "Heat Vision and Jack," a spoof of "The Six Million Dollar Man" directed by Ben Stiller.

"The main thing is we don't want someone telling us what's funny and what songs can be on the album and no f***ing control and then bullsh*t people that are like father figures touching our privates behind closed doors." – Black on an impending record deal for his band Tenacious D, quoted in The Onion, 1999

Black on playing someone not named 'Jack' in "High Fidelity": "It was a tough stretch, sure. I had to wake up every day and look in the mirror and say, 'Hey Barry, how ya doing? Let's go get some chow. Do you like the kind of food I do? Because I could go for a QP with cheese.' And Barry would look back and say, 'No, dude. I'm into Big Macs.'" – quoted in Entertainment Weekly, March 31, 2000

Talking about his million-dollar contract to star in "Saving Silverman": "I didn't want anyone to know that I was going to be a millionaire, because as soon as that was printed, I felt like, 'Okay, someone's already started the plot to kidnap me, kill me, take all my millions.' But whatever, I like the script." – Black to Entertainment Weekly, March 31, 2000

"It might be the first time that his talent and a great role have come together with the right director. It's rare to see someone get as broad and as explosively bizarre as you could possibly want and also break it down and do subtle, discreet naturalism with the best of them. That kind of range is dramatic and great." – John Cusack on working with Black in "High Fidelity," quoted in The Los Angeles Times, April 1, 2000

Black on playing a romantic lead in "Shallow Hal": "It's definitely easier for me to be the jackass sidekick. All my friends are gonna say I've gone soft." – quoted in Time Out New York, Sept. 27 - Oct. 4, 2001

"Besides the smog, why would I ever leave? Los Angeles is the undisputed entertainment capital of the universe. Everyone says, 'L.A. sucks because everyone's phony.' I've got a news flash: There are phonies in every city in the world. In Uzbekistan, there are phonies. You just avoid them. That's what I do." – Black on living in Los Angeles to Interview, October 2002

"I don't read the newspaper; I just look at the news on Yahoo! Gore was ripping Bush today and it was kind of awesome, even though its weird to talk shit about Bush, because in these tender, terrorist times, we're suppose to support him no matter what the f*ck lame sh*t he does." – Black Interview October 2002

"A lot of actors want to stretch and find roles farther from themselves. Not me. I like roles that get closer to who I really am. It gives me more time to hang out!" – Black to InTouch April 5, 2004

"Sometimes I don't feel human, like I don't have feelings or something. As an actor, certain emotions I can tap into real easy, but sadness is the one that I shut down. There's a mental block that doesn't allow me to get sad." – Black to GQ magazine, January 2006